Tag: Charleston

Charleston (SC) Restaurant week, NOW through January 22, 2012!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment
Image: CharlestonRestaurantAssociation.com/

I have heard so many wonderful things about Charleston Restaurant Week in Charleston, SC. Sorry I am late in posting this… The link to Charleston Restaurant Week from the Charleston Restaurant Association’s website is fantastic… it shows the price for each restaurant (some are 3 courses for $20, 3 courses for $30 and 3 courses for $40, some vary a bit, but it shows the price AND THE MENU FOR EACH RESTAURANT… OH how I love a menu!). These prices may not seem ultra cheap, but these restaurants aren’t cheap. They’re fantastic, beautiful, well known restaurants that for a few weeks each year offer a limited menu for a lesser price, so that everyone can experience these restaurants at a reduced cost. Click HERE for the link that shows restaurants/menu’s etc. – a blip from their site:

CHARLESTON RESTAURANT WEEK JANUARY 12- 22, 2012

Mark your calendars! The dates for the next installment of Charleston Restaurant Week are January 12 – 22, 2012. The event is part of Restaurant Week South Carolina sponsored by the South Carolina Hospitality Association.  Charleston Restaurant Week, executed by the Charleston Restaurant Association (CRA), is one of the most highly anticipated culinary events in the Charleston area.

It is an opportunity to enjoy the world-renowned cuisine of the Lowcountry as participating restaurants offer prix fixe menus consisting of three items for one price. 3 items for $20, $30 or $40. View all restaurants participating and their Restaurant Week menus below. Bon Appetit!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

You won’t believe your eyes… Charleston, SC sunset…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

My sister was in town visiting from Michigan and we headed to the new Shem Creek Park in Mt. Pleasant, SC. We got some amazing photos, when it didn’t seem like anything else was going to happen we headed home… going over the bridges (Mt P and Ashley River) we saw the most stunning sunset. EVER. This photo was taken with my phone going over the Ashley River Bridge…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Have you been? Check out the Footlight Players in downtown Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOME, TRAVELLeave a comment

The Footlight Players is the most delightful place to spend an evening! You can expect to sit back and be completely entertained. I haven’t been in a while but am looking forward to going soon! It’s located in an old cotton warehouse in downtown Charleston, SC.

Click to see the upcoming schedule… THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST by Oscar Wilde is the next production. They also have a LATE NIGHT series that is less expensive!

Here is a blip from the Footlight Players website regarding the history… interesting! Hope to see you there soon!

The Footlight Players were ceremoniously launched in 1931 with a series of one-act plays directed by Lieutenant Commander Charles Russell Price at the Charleston Navy yard. The series was such a success and drew such a following that The Footlight Players formally organized and incorporated in the fall of 1932.

In 1934, the Players purchased an old cotton warehouse (circa 1850) with the idea of eventually converting it into a finished playhouse. Yet until 1938, all productions were presented in a variety of spaces around the Holy City—the Academy of Music (corner of King and Market Streets), the Victory Theatre (85 Society Street), Hampton Park, The Citadel, and The Dock Street Theatre. During this time, the cotton warehouse was used for storage and scenery construction. In 1941 a shortage of performance space caused the Players to again turn to their warehouse.

Just a roof and four walls, sixty dedicated volunteers remodeled and renovated the old warehouse and converted it into an informal playhouse and workshop. For the following 45 years, the Footlight Players continued to annually produce a number of regular season productions, both at The Dock Street Theatre and at Footlight. In 1986, after another dramatic renovation, The Footlight Players moved into the old cotton warehouse at 20 Queen Street, where they have remained ever since. What began as a small group has become for Charleston a theatrical tradition, built and strengthened over many years by hundreds of willing hands, the priceless gifts of time and toil, and by faith, enthusiasm and talent.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Vintage image from Footlight Players website…

Artist to watch… Ulrich Gleiter!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
"Just Arrived" by artist Ulrich Gleiter / Image: KarenHagan.com

Can’t you just FEEL how deep this snow is? How cold the temperature is? Perhaps smell wood burning from a nearby fireplace? Today’s artist to watch is Ulrich Gleiter who was given this advice… “Paint two small plein air sketches every day. Nothing else will train your sense of color better.”

ULRICH GLEITER was born in Saarbruecken, Germany, and studied at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts in Germany before moving to Rus- sia to study first at the Suricov Institute of Arts in Moscow and then at the Repin Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. In 2010 he received the Best of Show award and First Place in the Quick Draw Portrait Competition in the Plein Air Rockies 2010 in Estes Park, Colorado; the Award of Excellence in the Wyoming Plein Air in Cheyenne, Wyoming; and the Frank Bette First Prize in the 2010 Alameda Plein Air Paint out in Alameda, California. He will be mounting a solo exhibition of his work at Gallerie Ines Schulz in Dresden, Germany, in the fall of 2011, and will participate in the Door County Plein Air Invitational in July 2011 and the Plein Air Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, in August 2011 For more information, visit his website at www. ulrichgleiter.com. 

HERE is a good article from Plein Air Magazine about Ulrich…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A Christmas Surprise… an Eva Carter painting!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOME3 Comments
Christmas surprise... Eva Carter painting!

Several years ago on Christmas night my husband and I were riding around downtown Charleston, SC.  Then he covered my eyes and told me he was taking me to my Christmas gift… WHAT???!!! I was trying to pay attention (good luck, I don’t do so well when I can see, HA), but we kept making turns so I had NO idea where we were. He stopped the car. Still unable to see he helped me out of the car and walked me up to the window… I opened my eyes, took in the sight and said…  “ME Barbara, YOU Fred?????!!!!!” Not meaning to sound like Tarzan, I just couldn’t believe that the tag on the painting in the window that everyone can see was TO: Barbara FROM: Fred. Holy Cow! That was so special. Thanks to Eva and to Karin Olah, the gallery manager at the time, for making it so special!  Do I have a cool husband or what? What fun!

The beauty of Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments
Magnolia Cemetery

My husband and I took a ride through a few of Charleston’s beautiful cemeteries. Let me just say, you go back in time. They are old, very very old and the photo ops are amazing. YES, it would help to have a camera with you… These were taken with my phone on a cloudy day, but I think you can still see how spectacular the view is. The magnificent grand live oak trees are everywhere, it’s a beautiful place. There were several people out with big cameras taking advantage of the day… NEXT TIME I will bring a camera, sigh…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The Hump Bar from the set of ARMY WIVES… Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment
The Hump Bar from the set of ARMY WIVES

Do you watch Army Wives? It’s a great show, really. It’s pretty cool to watch it and try to figure out where in Charleston, SC they’re really at… it’s amazing how they can take worn out dumpy buildings and make them look so nice, at least on the outside… This is a photo of the HUMP BAR. Its used regularly in the show. It’s located down by the cemeteries in town. Looks like a real bar. It’s not…

Here’s a close up… catch you back here tomorrow, and if you get a chance, check out that show! They’re filming now, the new shows air “WINTER 2012”!

"The Hump Bar"

I would like to introduce… THE LOCAL PALATE MAGAZINE!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment
Image: LocalPalateMag.com

My husband and I were in a few of the downtown Charleston, SC galleries a few weekends ago when I spotted this magazine. THE LOCAL PALATE. It. Is. Exquisite. To say the least, this magazine is high class, with gorgeous mouth watering photographs and fabulous stories. Perfect timing with this magazine, with Charleston number ONE on the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards, and HUSK Restaurant named as The Best New Restaurant in America! I am so thrilled to see this magazine, and trust me, you will be as well! Here’s a little blip from their WEBSITE:

We are a culinary magazine that focuses on the food culture of Charleston. 

Charleston is a unique blend of culinary history, Southern hospitality, indigenous ingredients, and world class chefs. 

We are local and we love it here. Drop us an email to say hi and find out more: 
info@thelocalpalate.com

To that I say… YAY!! I urge you to visit their website, it’s as beautiful as the magazine.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Richard Oversmith!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
"The way it used to be" by Richard Oversmith (via artists website)

I found this intriguing painting under the PLEIN AIR section of Richard Oversmith’s website. I love paintings of interiors, especially something different… this is a peak into the past. Richard’s description of this painting:

This painting is of the interior of Old Fort, NC train depot.  The depot build in the 1890s probably looked a lot like this inside.  It is a museum now and house some old southern railroad memorabilia.  I was invited into the depot to paint but, I actually painted this outside looking through a window at this scene.  That’s why it’s in the plein air section.

How interesting to paint the interior from outside. LOVE IT! Check out Richard’s website, it’s a good one! He’s in many galleries, so check him out! I just noticed he’s right here in Charleston, SC!

Here’s a blip from the artists website, there is more, so check him out!

Richard Oversmith - Biography

Richard received formal training in Fine Art and Illustration at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While at Kendall he was invited to study at the Royal College of Art in London, England. There he gained experience in plein air painting and found direction in his work as an oil painter. He graduated from Kendall College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1995 and moved back to his home state of North Carolina to pursue his dream of becoming a professional artist.

The natural beauty of Western North Carolina has proven to offer infinite inspiration for Richard’s impressionistic landscapes. From rolling mountains to abundant waterfalls, the majestic Biltmore Estate to a simple farm scene, this region evokes the artist’s muse. Richard finds inspiration not only at home but in his many travels. He has painted all over the USA and has recently spent six months living and painting in Brittany, France. Whether at home or abroad, Richard surrounds himself in the elements of the scene while painting, in true “en plein air” fashion. In the studio, his sense of vision and mood guide him to produce still lifes ranging from the classic to the imaginative.

Richard’s purpose in painting is to provoke the viewer to interact with his pieces. His paintings are his voice, and stroke by stroke, he composes a whole that relates his vision. Richard works in oil on linen, a medium compatible with the passion he puts into his creation. He strives to achieve a mood in every painting through the use of such visual stimuli as color, edges, value and drawing. He has derived his style from the lifelong study of past masters, the influence of contemporary painters he admires, and elements that have evolved from deep within himself. He allows the setting to speak to him, creating only as many brushstrokes as are needed for the viewer’s eyes to understand and connect.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Larry Moore!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
"Four Corners" by Larry Moore / Image: HortonHayes.com

Larry Moore is a cool guy. I don’t know him personally. I just met him briefly, along with a lot of other people, a few weekends ago when he was in town and painting in Charleston. Larry is a joy to watch paint. Matter-of-fact we watched him paint a similar scene to this one… fabulous! After reading Larry’s blog and hearing more about him, you learn that he’s a nice guy with a great sense of humor. I happen to treasure people with a sense of humor. If you are interested in art (and I assume you are if you’re reading this blog?) you will be quite entertained by Larry’s blog. Very insightful AND entertaining. Just like his paintings. My husband and I both really enjoy his paintings. They’re loose, and they’re fresh… you know exactly what it is without having every detail displayed. If you get a chance, check out his work! In Charleston, SC his paintings can be seen at the Horton Hayes Gallery. For those of you not in Charleston, check out his website, he’s in other galleries as well AND he’s got a great website and you will love his blog!

Here’s a blip about the artist from Horton Hayes website:

Larry Moore is a painter with a message. He has committed his life to documenting the natural world. In his words:

“Today, our beautiful planet is taking a beating through overdevelopment and abuse. I try to capture the grandeur of nature. To create reminders of peace and beauty. It’s my way of making a statement against destruction.”

Larry was born in 1957 and raised in Cocoa Beach, Florida. When his family first began to recognize his talent, he was a tender nine. First drawing, then painting, then surfing. At age 14, Larry had already combined his passion for nature and surfing with his gift. He began airbrushing surfboards, vans and wall murals.

Since then, Larry’s success has been rapid. The mass of awards listed below gives clear witness to his position among the country’s leading artists. Larry has been awarded the highest national and international honors. To date, over 30 pieces of art have been accepted into the Society of Illustrators in New York and Los Angeles. Recently, he was awarded the Society’s most prestigious honor, a gold award. Without pretension, Larry attributes his success to passion, hard work and problem solving; a technique he learned as an illustrator.

Since 1993, Larry has taught illustrating, drawing, creative thinking and oil and pastel workshops. In front of the classroom, he is known as an instructor, role model and mentor. Time and time again, Larry has helped promote young artists to heights they never dreamed of reaching so soon. Perhaps this ability to nurture came from the support of his family. Growing up surrounded by talent, Larry’s mother, grandmother, brother and stepmother were all artists.

Larry remembers clearly the day he discovered plein air painting. From that moment, he knew exactly what he wanted to do: Combine his experience, his passion for nature and his life-long goal of becoming a better painter. “It’s all about the learning journey.”

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Bowens Island Seafood Restaurant Menu…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD10 Comments

New menu available since this post, click this orange link to see the April 2013 menu!  (photo below is the older menu):  BOWENS ISLAND RESTAURANT (NEW)

Menu from OCTOBER 2011 visit:

Bowens Island. Some of you have been there, many may have heard or read about it in magazines and newspapers. Great seafood! It’s not a fancy place, so don’t go expecting it to be… it’s VERY casual. Great seafood and a view that can’t be beat, bring a camera! In one of my PAST posts about Bowen’s Island I included a link to their menu. Not long after that they changed their menu and there was no longer a link… so here is a photo I took of the menu on 10/28/11 – obviously prices and menu items could change, but as of that date, this is the deal. The menu has been pretty much the same as long as I can remember. Their prices are so reasonable I don’t really pay much attention. Good food, good prices… check it out if you get a chance! It’s in Charleston, SC only five minutes from Folly Beach…

Please excuse the poor quality photo… the menu is well used and in plastic, so…. that’s as good as it gets!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Mark Horton!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
The Barbershop - Image via HortonHayes.com

Mark Horton is a fabulous artist (as well as a super nice guy). That’s nothing new, however I’m seeing some work like none I’ve ever seen of his and I like it. A lot!  This painting is one from the workshop he and Chris Groves gave in Italy this year. It’s so unique. I love it!

If you’re in the Charleston, SC area be sure to stop in the Horton Hayes Gallery! Stop by, say hello and check out the wonderful art work! If you aren’t in the area, check out Mark’s work on the gallery website. Here’s a blip from the gallery website, there’s more, so check it out!

Mark Kelvin Horton was born and raised in rural North Carolina. After graduating from East Carolina University School of Art in 1983, Horton moved to New York City to begin a career in advertising and design. He carried with him the dream of someday becoming a painter.

Eighteen years of living in New York were spent working as a creative director in various advertising agencies and eventually founding his own design company. Those years also provided an invaluable opportunity for Horton to view and study firsthand the seemingly endless number of masterworks of art in the city’s museums and galleries. Horton became particularly fascinated with the works of George Inness, Herman Herzog, Frederick Church and the tonalist photographer, Edward Steichen. He was also captivated by the realism of John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer as well as the romantic landscapes of the Hudson River School painters. The experience had a profound effect on his artistic development.

During his years working as an artistic director and designer, Horton continued to nurture his “fine art side”, drawing, sketching and painting whenever he had the opportunity. In early 2001 Horton made the decision to devote himself full-time to painting. He left New York City and returned to his Southern roots, moving to Charleston, South Carolina.

Horton is particularly fascinated with the effects of light and weather upon the landscape. He paints beyond a literal interpretation of a scene to portray nature in a way that reflects his own ideas and sensibilities while capturing the spirit, color and changing light of a place.

Adding this a bit late, but just in time… this past weekend we went to a fabulous demo that Mark Horton and Chris Groves gave at the Horton Hayes Gallery, it was about painting the English countryside and it was AMAZING! To watch these guys paint is fascinating. I took notes like a crazy person and can’t wait to try what they mentioned. They are full of information, and lucky for you they have workshops in your future! There are a few in England that will blow you away. We’ve seen the photos, seen the paintings and whoa! If you have ever thought about taking a workshop, check them out! Besides learning a lot, trust me, you’ll have a good time. They’re fun! Click HERE to go to the Horton Hayes workshop link!

Mark Horton demo at Horton Hayes Gallery

You liked his work, didn’t you? Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston’s Fine Art Weekend and a fine example… the Wentworth Mansion by Jennifer Smith Rogers!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART2 Comments
"Wentworth Mansion" by Jennifer Smith Rogers Image: Smith Killian

Are you an art lover? An artist? A collector, or just someone who loves to watch an artist paint? Well, this weekend is for you! It’s my favorite time of year, for many reasons… cooler weather, cooking and baking, and yes, CFADA’s (Charleston Fine Art Dealer’s Association) Fine Art Walk… The art walk is Friday night, watching the artists paint is Saturday morning… and I. LOVE. THAT. It never fails to amaze me. We are very fortunate to have such a strong and successful art community here in Charleston! Here are the details… if you see something you love you can bid on it Saturday night, all the money goes towards helping to fund ten high school art programs! Here are the details:

Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association

13th Fine Art Annual.  November 2, 4-5.

Friday night join us for gallery receptions followed by 20 artists painting plein air
Saturday morning 9am-12pm in Washington Park ( at Broad and Meeting Streets ) Art competition from the local high schools will also take place.
Saturday evening 6:30-8:30, at Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art;

58 Broad St.  Meet and greet the plein air painters and bid on works
completed that morning.

Proceeds will go to fund ten local high school art programs of which

CFADA has contributed $180,000 over the last seven years.


TICKETS $55 can be purchased online at CFADA.com.

AND, check out Jennifer Smith Rogers new painting WENTWORTH MANSION… love it! Go see her work at Smith Killian (www.smithkillian.com for those of you not in Charleston)! Whoa! See you at the art walk… catch you back here tomorrow!

Wanted: Halloween costume wearing patrons… @ Taco Boy in Charleston TONIGHT!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment
Image from Taco Boy, Charleston, SC

Those of you who know me know how I love Taco Boy restaurant. The ambiance can’t be beat, and luckily neither can the food… Every day is a party at Taco Boy… and although I’m not one that stays up late, I want to let the rest of you know there is a PARTY at Taco Boy tonight… there will be live music, games, contests AND the best costume wins $1000! Whaaaat? So what are you going to be?? Hey, get a group together, best group costume is $500! Spend a few minutes, come up with something creative and go for it! Have fun, and if you go, I’d love to hear about it!